Epiphyte is an example of

Options

A. predation
B. competition
C. parasitism
D. commensalism

Answer

To determine what an epiphyte is an example of, we need to analyze the relationships it has with other organisms. Here are the steps to arrive at the correct answer:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Define Epiphyte**: An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant (usually a tree) for physical support. It does not harm the host plant and does not extract nutrients from it.

2. **Identify the Relationship**: The relationship between an epiphyte and its host tree (like an orchid growing on a mango tree) is crucial to understand. The epiphyte benefits from being elevated, gaining access to sunlight and air, while the host tree is not harmed.

3. **Analyze the Options**:
- **A. Predation**: This involves one organism feeding on another, which does not apply to epiphytes.
- **B. Competition**: This refers to organisms competing for the same resources, which is not the case for epiphytes.
- **C. Parasitism**: This is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, which does not describe epiphytes.
- **D. Commensalism**: This is a relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. This accurately describes the relationship of epiphytes with their host trees.

4. **Conclusion**: Since the epiphyte benefits from the support of the mango tree without harming it, the correct answer is **D. Commensalism**.